2008 Magdelaine, St-Emilion

SKU #111642992 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A sleeper of the vintage, this well-executed 2008 St.-Emilion exhibits a dark plum/ruby/purple-tinged color as well as a glorious bouquet of sweet black cherries, licorice and powdered limestone, a good texture, medium to full body and a pure style. Combining substance with finesse, it should age effortlessly for 15+ years. (RP)
(5/2011)

91 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Bright medium ruby. Perfumed aromas of pomegranate, blackcurrant, aromatic herbs and violet. Sweet and lively on the palate, with vibrant acidity lifting the red fruit and mineral flavors. Finishes smooth and long, with very polished tannins. Medium-boded and surprisingly easy to drink already, but has the stuffing to age well for another 15 years. (ST)
(8/2011)

90 points
Wine Enthusiast

Ripe fruit, with sweet tannins. It is quite light with fresh acidity and attractively balanced, with flavors of dried raisins and final acidity.
(4/2011)

Wine Spectator

Dark and fleshy, with a cocoa note leading the way, followed by braised fig, black currant and mulled spice notes. The broad, toast- and tobacco-filled finish has a slightly lumbering feel, but there's enough density to wait it out.
(3/2011)

Product Reviews:

This is a great deal for the holidays at only $44.99. On the nose is lots of wood spice, anise, roasted herbs and a bit of earthy funk. The palate is black cherry and dark plum with more herbs as well as a bit of tobacco and bitter chocolate all of which is braced by bright acidity and some tannins. On a side note I had this bottle open for 3 days and it kept drinking.

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Additional Information:

Varietal:

Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends

- Cabernet Sauvignon has come a long way from its role as a blending varietal, however dominant, in the wines of Bordeaux. Today it is the most planted red varietal in the world. Identified as a descendent of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon needs to be planted in warmer climates to fully ripen. Its small berries can easily be identified for their distinctive blue color, thick skins and high tannins. And while the varietal has its own definitive characteristics: green pepper-like aromas and black currant flavors among them, it is perhaps most prized for its ability to convey terroir, vintage and winemaking.
A relatively new varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon started making inroads into the wines of the Médoc and Graves in the late-18th century. Today it is also dominant in the up-and-coming Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux and can also be found in Southwest France. It is the companion varietal to Sangiovese in Italy's Super Tuscans and is planted all over Europe, stretching to lesser-known winegrowing regions like Russia and Lebanon. In the Americas Cabernet Sauvignon has found champions in every nook and cranny of California and among winemakers in Washington, where it complements plantings of Merlot. In South America, Cab thrives in Chile, but can also be found in smaller amounts in Argentina and even in Mexico.

Country:

France

- When it comes to wine, France stands alone. No other country can beat it in terms of quality and diversity. And while many of its Region, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne most obviously, produce wine as rare, as sought-after and nearly as expensive as gold, there are just as many obscurities and values to be had from little known appellations throughout the country. To learn everything there is to know about French wine would take a lifetime. To understand and appreciate French wine, one only has to begin tasting them. Click for a list of bestselling items from all of France.